Ophthalmic contact lens solutions containing forms of vitamin B

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to improved ophthalmic solutions that employ select B vitamins; pyridoxine and its salts; and thiamine and its salts in order to more effectively preserve solutions and to reduce the degree to which cationic preservatives will deposit on contact lenses. Ophthalmic solutions are here understood to include contact lens treatment solutions, such as cleaners, soaking solutions, conditioning solutions and lens storage solutions, as well as wetting solutions and in-eye solutions for treatment of eye conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/412,496 (filed Jan. 23, 2017) which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 15/055,749 (filed Feb. 29, 2016) which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 13/679,605 (filed Nov. 16, 2012) which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/620,318(filed Jan. 5, 2007) which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/544,150 (filed Aug. 1, 2005), which is anational stage entry of PCT/US01/46841 (filed Nov. 8, 2001) which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 60/246,689 (filedNov. 8, 2000) 60/246,707 (filed Nov. 8, 2000) 60/246,708 (filed Nov. 8,2000) and 60/246,709 (filed Nov. 8, 2000). The contents of theaforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmic solutions andtheir uses. In particular the invention relates to contact lens cleaningsolutions, contact lens rinsing and storing solutions, solution todeliver active pharmaceutical agents to the eye, solutions fordisinfecting ophthalmic devices and the like.

The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmic solutions andespecially to the aspects of preservative efficacy and comfort afterprolonged use. These ophthalmic solutions have been used for some periodof time and are available as over the counter products. Solutions thatare used in direct contact with corneal tissue such as the delivery ofactive pharmaceutical agent to the eye, or indirectly, such as thecleaning, conditioning or storage of devices that will come in contactwith corneal tissue, such as contact lenses, there is a need to insurethat these solution do not introduce sources of bacterial or othermicrobial infection. Thus preservatives are included to reduce theviability of microbes in the solution and to lessen the chance ofcontamination of the solution by the user since many of the solutionsare bought, opened, used, sealed and then reused.

State of the art preservative agents include polyhexamethylene biguanide(PHMB), POLYQUAD™, chlorhexidine, and benzalkonium chloride, and thelike, all of which at some concentration irritate corneal tissue andlead to user discomfort. Therefore, a solution that employs a givenamount of a preservative agent, but which is made more effective byaddition of an agent that is not a preservative agent would be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved ophthalmic solutions thatemploy select B vitamins; pyridoxine and its salts; and thiamine and itssalts in order to more effectively preserve solutions and to reduce thedegree to which cationic preservatives will deposit on contact lenses.Ophthalmic solutions are here understood to include contact lenstreatment solutions, such as cleaners, soaking solutions, conditioningsolutions and lens storage solutions, as well as wetting solutions andin-eye solutions for treatment of eye conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The solutions specifically described herein have 0.001 to about 10.0weight percent of select B vitamins; pyridoxine and its salts; andthiamine and its salts in combination with other active ingredientsuseful in ophthalmic solutions such as tonicity agent, buffers,preservatives, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents.

The B family of vitamins includes thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin(B3), dexpanthenol, panthenol, pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6),and cobalamin (B12). While each form of B vitamin is chemicallydistinct, they are often found in the same nutritional sources and hencedeficiency in one is often related to deficiency in the other forms.Metabolically, they work with one another to bolster metabolism, enhanceimmune and nervous system function, maintain healthy skin and muscletone, and promote cell growth and division. They may also relievestress, depression, and cardiovascular disease. A deficiency in one Bvitamin often means that intake of all B vitamins is low which is why Bvitamins as a nutritional source are often provided in multivitamin orB-complex formulae.

Niacin contributes to a great number of bodily processes. Among otherthings niacin helps convert food into energy, build red blood cells,synthesize hormones, fatty-acids and steroids. The body uses niacin inthe process of releasing energy from carbohydrates. Niacin is alsoneeded to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. Niacinalso helps regulate cholesterol.

Pyridoxine is needed to make serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. VitaminB-6 is an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes andpossibly assists in mood and many other health concerns Cobalamin isneeded for normal nerve cell activity. Vitamin B-12 is also needed forDNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance calledSAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B-12 works with folic acid tocontrol homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine, which is anamino acid (protein building block), may increase the risk of heartdisease, stroke, and perhaps osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Other compounds such as folic acid or folate are active in combinationwith the B vitamins and are needed to synthesize DNA. DNA allows cellsto replicate normally. Folic acid is especially important for the cellsof a fetus when a woman is pregnant. Folic Acid is also needed to makeSAMe and keep homocysteine levels in the blood from rising. Folic Acid(pteroylglutamic acid) is not active as such in the mammalian organism,but rather is enzymatically reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA), thecoenzyme form. An interrelationship exists with vitamin B12 and folatemetabolism that further involves vitamin B6: folate coenzymesparticipate in a large number of metabolic reactions in which there is atransfer of a one-carbon unit.

Pantothenic Acid, also sometimes referred to as coenzyme A, is thephysiologically active form of pantothenic acid, and serves a vital rolein metabolism as a coenzyme for a variety of enzyme-catablyzed reactionsinvolving transfer of acetyl (two-carbon) groups. Surprisingly,pantothenic acid is essential for the growth of various microorganisms,including many strains of pathogenic bacteria.

In the form of contact lens rinsing solutions and/or pharmaceuticalagent delivery system the solutions will contain, in addition to thelens or the pharmaceutical agent 0.00001 to about 10.0 weight percent ofone of the vitamin B forms or a vitamin B co-metabolite chosen from thegroup including, but not limited to, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2),niacin (B3), dexpanthenol, panthenol, pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine(B6), and cobalamin (B12); and at least 0.00001 weight percent of apreservative.

The preservatives that are specifically useful are cationicpreservatives such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (phmb), POLYQUAD™,chlorhexidne, and benzalkonium chloride, as well as other cationicpreservatives that may prove useful in the present invention as well.The cationic preservatives are used at effective amounts aspreservatives, and in the instance of PHMB from 0.0001 percent by weightto higher levels of about 0.01 weight percent.

The formulations may also include buffers such as phosphates,bicarbonate, citrate, borate, ACES, BES, BICINE, BIS-Tris Propane,HEPES, HEPPS, imidazole, MES, MOPS, PIPES, TAPS, TES, TRIS and Tricine.

Surfactants that might be employed include polysorbate surfactants,polyoxyethylene surfactants, phosphonates, saponins and polyethoxylatedcastor oils, but preferably the polyethoxylated castor oils. Thesesurfactants are commercially available. The polyethoxylated castor oilsare sold by BASF under the trademark Cremophor.

The solutions of the present invention may contain other additivesincluding but not limited to buffers, tonicity agents, demulcents,wetting agents, preservatives, sequestering agents (chelating agents),surface active agents, and enzymes. In one embodiment between about0.01% and 5.0% of a simple saccharide is present. Examples of simplesaccharides include mannitol; sorbitol; sucrose; dextrose and glycerin.

Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.001 to 1 weightpercent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additionalmicrobicide, (preferably 0.00001 to 0.1) weight percentpolyhexamethylene biquanide (PHMB), N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone,chlorhexidine, polyquaternium-1, hexetidine, bronopol, alexidine, lowconcentrations of hydrogen peroxide, and ophthalmologically acceptablesalts thereof.

Ophthalmologically acceptable chelating agents useful in the presentinvention include amino carboxylic acid compounds or water-soluble saltsthereof, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriaceticacid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid,hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid,1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid, ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether) in N,N,N′,N′ tetraacetic acid (EGTA),iminodiacetic acid and hydroxyethylamino diacetic acid. These acids canbe used in the form of their water soluble salts, particularly theiralkali metal salts. Especially preferred chelating agents are the di-,tri- and tetra-sodium salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),most preferably disodium EDTA (Disodium Edetate).

Other chelating agents such as citrates and polyphosphates can also beused in the present invention. The citrates which can be used in thepresent invention include citric acid and its mono-, di-, andtri-alkaline metal salts. The polyphosphates which can be used includepyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, trimetaphosphates,tetrametaphosphates, as well as more highly condensed phosphates in theform of the neutral or acidic alkali metal salts such as the sodium andpotassium salts as well as the ammonium salt.

The pH of the solutions should be adjusted to be compatible with the eyeand the contact lens, such as between 6.0 to 8.0, preferably between 6.8to 7.8 or between 7.0 to 7.6. Significant deviations from neutral (pH7.3) will cause changes in the physical parameters (i.e. diameter) insome contact lenses. Low pH (pH less than 5.5) can cause burning andstinging of the eyes, while very low or very high pH (less than 3.0 orgreater than 10) can cause ocular damage.

The additional preservatives employed in the present invention areknown, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone,chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylenebiguanide, alexidine, polyquaternium-1,hexetidine, bronopol and a very low concentration of hydrogen peroxide,e.g., 30 to 200 ppm.

The solutions of the invention are compatible with both rigid gaspermeable and hydrophilic contact lenses during storage, cleaning,wetting, soaking, rinsing and disinfection.

A typical aqueous solution of the present invention may, containadditional ingredients which would not affect the basic and novelcharacteristics of the active ingredients described earlier, such astonicity agents, surfactants and viscosity inducing agents, which mayaid in either the lens cleaning or in providing lubrication to the eye.Suitable tonicity agents include sodium chloride, potassium chloride,glycerol or mixtures thereof the tonicity of the solution is typicallyadjusted to approximately 240-310 milliosmoles per kilogram solution(mOsm/kg) to render the solution compatible with ocular tissue and withhydrophilic contact lenses. In one embodiment, the solution contains0.01 to 0.2 weight percent sodium chloride. The important factor is tokeep the concentrations of such additives to a degree no greater thanthat would supply a chloride concentration of no greater than about 0.2mole percent.

Suitable viscosity inducing agents can include lecithin or the cellulosederivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloseand methylcellulose in amounts similar to those for surfactants, above.

Example 1

Formulations containing Pyridoxine HCl (Spectrum) and Thiamine HCl(Fisher) were prepared in a 0.2% phosphate buffer. The solutions weremade isotonic with sodium chloride and preserved with polyhexamethylenebiguanide at 0.0001%. The pH was adjusted to 7.2 with either 1 N sodiumhydroxide or 1 N hydrochloric acid. The in vitro microbicidal activityof the solutions was determined by exposing C. albicans to 10 ml of eachsolution at room temperature for 4 hours. Subsequently, an aliquot ofeach solution was serial diluted onto agar plates and incubated for 48hours at elevated temperatures. At the conclusion of the incubationperiod the plates are examined for the development of colonies. The logreduction was determined based on a comparison to the inoculum control.The following table provides the results of the in vitro studies.

Additive 4 Hour Log Reduction Pyridoxine HCl (0.5%) 2.0 Thiamine HCl(0.5%) 1.0 Buffer Control 0.8

The solution containing pyridoxine HCl and thiamine HCl showed animprovement in the activity against C. albicans as compared to thebuffer control.

Example 2

Formulations containing dexpanthenol were prepared in a 0.25% Bis-TrisPropane buffer. The solutions were made isotonic with sodium chlorideand preserved with polyhexamethylene biquanide at 0.00005%. The pH wasadjusted to 7.2 with either 1 N sodium hydroxide or 1 N hydrochloricacid. The in vitro microbicidal activity of the solutions was determinedby exposing C. albicans to 10 ml of each solution at room temperaturefor 4 hours. Subsequently, an aliquot of each solution was serialdiluted onto agar plates and incubated for 48 hours at elevatedtemperatures. At the conclusion of the incubation period the plates areexamined for the development of colonies. The log reduction wasdetermined based on a comparison to the inoculum control. The followingtable provides the results of the in vitro studies.

Log Reduction Pre- Dex- Calibicans Buffer Additive servative panthenol 4hour Bis-Tris Cremophor 0.20% PHMB None 3.8 Propane 0.25% Inositol 3.0%0.5 ppm Allantoin 0.1% Bis-Tris Cremophor 0.20% PHMB Dex- 4.9 Propane0.25% Inositol 3.0% 0.5 ppm panthenol Allantoin 0.1% 0.1%

This data shows that the dexpanthenol has improved preservative efficacyover a solution with a preservative alone.

Example 3

Formulations containing Dexpanthanol (Spectrum), Pyridoxine HCl(Spectrum) Thiamine HCl (Spectrum), and no Vitamin B control wereprepared in a 0.5% Tris buffer containing 0.6% sodium chloride. The pHwas adjusted with 1 N HCl to a final pH of 7.2. Polyhexamethylenebiquanide (PHMB) at 0.0001% was added to each formulation. The in vitroanti-microbial activity of the solutions was determined by exposing E.coli to 10 ml of each solution at room temperature for 1 hours.Subsequently, an aliquot of each solution was serial diluted onto agarplates and incubated for 48 hours at elevated temperatures. At theconclusion of the incubation period the plates are examined for thedevelopment of colonies. The log reduction was determined based on acomparison to the inoculum control. The following table provides theresults of the in vitro studies.

Solution Log Reduction at 1 hr 0.5% Dexpanthenol 0.5% Tris 1 ppm PHMB4.82 0.5% Pyridoxine 0.5% Tris 1 ppm PHMB 4.34 HCl 0.5% Thiamine HCl0.5% Tris 1 ppm PHMB 5.12 None 0.5% Tris 1 ppm PHMB 0.42

The results showed an enhancement of the preservative in the presence ofthe Dexpanthanol, Pyridoxine, and Thiamine.

Example 4

Formulations containing Dexpanthanol (Spectrum), Pyridoxine HCl(Spectrum) Thiamine HCl (Spectrum), and no Vitamin B control wereprepared in a 0.5% Tris buffer containing 0.6% sodium chloride. The pHwas adjusted with 1 N HCl to a final pH of 7.2. Benzalkonium Chloride(BAK) at 0.0025% was added to each formulation. The in vitroanti-microbial activity of the solutions was determined by exposing E.coli to 10 ml of each solution at room temperature for 1 hour.Subsequently, an aliquot of each solution was serial diluted onto agarplates and incubated for 48 hours at elevated temperatures. At theconclusion of the incubation period the plates are examined for thedevelopment of colonies. The log reduction was determined based on acomparison to the inoculum control. The following table provides theresults of the in vitro studies.

Solution Log Reduction at 1 hr 0.5% Dexpanthenol 0.5% Tris 25 PPMBAK >5.12 0.5% Pyridoxine 0.5% Tris 25 PPM BAK >5.12 HCl 0.5% ThiamineHCl 0.5% Tris 25 PPM BAK 3.30 None 0.5% Tris  1 ppm PHMB 0.42

The results showed an enhancement of the preservative in the presence ofthe Dexpanthanol and Pyridoxine.

What is claimed is:
 1. A contact lens solution comprising: at least0.00001 weight percent of a cationic preservative selected from a groupconsisting of polyhexamethylene biguanide and polyquaternium-1; between0.00001 and 10 weight percent of pantothenic acid or a salt ofpantothenic acid that functions as a preservative enhancer; aphysiologically compatible buffer selected from a group consisting ofphosphate, bicarbonate, citrate, borate, ACES, BES, BICINE, BIS,BIS-Tris, BIS-Tris Propane, HEPES, HEPPS, imidazole, MES, MOPS, PIPES,TRIS, TAPS, TES, an amino acid, and Tricine; wherein the contact lenssolution has a low chloride concentration of less than 0.1 mole percentchloride, and the combination of the cationic preservative, thepreservative enhancer, and the low chloride concentration provide anenhanced preservative effect relative to a corresponding contact lenssolution having a chloride concentration of more than 0.1 mole percent.2. The contact lens solution of claim 1, wherein the cationicpreservative is present in a concentration between 0.1 parts per millionand 10,000 parts per million.
 3. The contact lens solution of claim 1,wherein the physiologically compatible buffer is BIS-Tris Propane. 4.The contact lens solution of claim 1 further comprising a wetting agent.5. The contact lens solution of claim 4, wherein the wetting agent isselected from the group consisting of a polysorbate surfactant, apolyoxyethylene surfactant, a phosphonate, a saponin, a polyethyoxylatedglyceride, and a polyethoxylated castor oil.
 6. The contact lenssolution of claim 1 further comprising a polyethoxylated castor oil. 7.The contact lens solution of claim 1, further comprising between 0.01%and 5.0% of at least one simple saccharide.
 8. The contact lens solutionof claim 7, wherein the simple saccharide is selected from the groupconsisting of mannitol; sorbitol; sucrose; dextrose, glycerin andcombinations thereof.
 9. The contact lens solution of claim 1, furthercomprising between 0.001% and 1% of a chelating agent.
 10. The contactlens solution of claim 9, wherein the chelating agent is selected fromthe group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a saltthereof, citric acid or a salt thereof, an amino carboxylic acid or asalt thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid or a salt thereof, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid or a salt thereof,hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid or a salt thereof,1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid or a salt thereof, ethyleneglycol bis (beta-aminoethyl ether) —N, N, N′, N′ tetraacetic acid (EGTA)or a salt thereof, iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof,hydroxyethylamino diacetic acid or a salt thereof and a polyphosphatesalt.
 11. The contact lens solution of claim 1, further comprisingbetween 0.001% and 1% of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a saltthereof.
 12. The contact lens solution of claim 1, further comprisingbetween 0.00001% and 0.1% of a microbicide.
 13. The contact lenssolution of claim 12, wherein the microbicide is selected from the groupconsisting of N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, chlorhexidine, polyquaternium-1,hexetidine, bronopol, alexidine, hydrogen peroxide, and salts thereof.14. The contact lens solution of claim 1, wherein the contact lenssolution has a pH between 7.0 and 7.6.
 15. The contact lens solution ofclaim 1, further comprising a tonicity agent.
 16. The contact lenssolution of claim 15, wherein the tonicity agent is selected from thegroup consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, glycerol andmixtures thereof.
 17. The contact lens solution of claim 15, wherein thetonicity agent adjusts a tonicity of the contact lens solution to240-310 milliosmoles per kilogram solution (mOsm/kg).
 18. A contact lenssolution comprising: at least 0.00001 weight percent of apolyhexamethylene biguanide; between 0.00001 and 10 weight percent ofpantothenic acid or a salt of pantothenic acid that functions as apreservative enhancer; a physiologically compatible buffer selected fromthe group consisting of phosphate, bicarbonate, citrate, borate, ACES,BES, BICINE, BIS, BIS-Tris, BIS-Tris Propane, HEPES, HEPPS, imidazole,MES, MOPS, PIPES, TRIS, TAPS, TES, an amino acid, and Tricine; whereinthe contact lens solution has a low chloride concentration of less than0.1 mole percent chloride, and the combination of the polyhexamethylenebiguanide, the preservative enhancer, and the low chloride concentrationprovide an enhanced preservative effect relative to a correspondingcontact lens solution having a chloride concentration of more than 0.1mole percent.